The first sitting of the National Assembly of the Fourth Parliament commenced today as the 10-day petition period ended yesterday. MPs of the ruling party, PDP, and the opposition party, BTP took the Oath of Affirmation of office at the National Assembly hall. During the event, Panbang’s Member of the Parliament, Lungten Dorji, and Tashicholing MP, Sangay Khandu, were elected as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly respectively. They were elected through a secret ballot.
The National Assembly’s first sitting began with the Secretary General of the National Assembly, Duba, reading out His Majesty’s Kasho.
The member-elects of the National Assembly then adorned their blue scarves and Patang/Gentag.
They then took the Oath or Affirmation of Office administered by the Chief Justice of Bhutan as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Lungten Dorji of Panbang constituency in Zhemgang secured 46 votes and got elected as the Speaker of the House.
According to the National Assembly, the Speaker presides over the National Assembly, enforces its rules for the orderly conduct of the proceedings, and is also responsible for nominating candidates to constitutional posts.
Meanwhile, Sangay Khandu, representing Tashicholing constituency of Samtse secured 40 votes and was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker presides over the proceedings in the absence of the Speaker.
Deki Lhazom & Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
